KARACHI: The business community in Pakistan appears divided over a nationwide shutter-down strike, as the Karachi and Lahore Chambers of Commerce announced their support for the closure, while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) chose to stay out of it.
Although traders across the country have expressed concern over the increased authority given to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the latest taxation policies, not all their representative bodies are on the same page regarding the protest.
Speaking at a press conference, Javed Balwani, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), confirmed that businesses in Karachi will shut down on Saturday.
He added that all commercial centers in the city will remain closed that day. He warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, the protest could grow further.
The KCCI is seeking written assurances from the government, which have not yet been provided despite recent discussions.
“If the next round of talks fails to produce results, the chamber may extend the strike by one or two days next week,” Balwani said.
He also hinted at the possibility of a week-long closure if the government continues to ignore their concerns, but emphasized that the protest will remain peaceful.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the All Pakistan Restaurants Association have also backed the strike.
The traders are particularly protesting Sections 37A and 37B of the Finance Act, which they claim give the FBR unchecked powers of arrest.
They have also objected to Section 21(S), which penalizes large cash transactions of Rs200,000 or more, the mandatory use of digital invoicing under SRO 709, and the implementation of E-Bilty rules under Section 40.